Hanley Ramirez hopes he can return to Dodgers' lineup this month

BALTIMORE -- Encouraged by a power-hitting display he put on during an early batting practice session Friday, sidelined shortstop Hanley Ramirez said he hoped he could be in the Dodgers’ lineup on his April 30 bobblehead night.

“I want to be in there,” Ramirez said.

Is it possible?

“Hopefully, yeah,” he said.

When Ramirez tore a thumb ligament last month, he was initially expected to be out until mid-May.

Ramirez said it’s unlikely he will be activated during the six-game trip that begins Friday and includes three games in Baltimore against the Orioles and three games in New York against the Mets.

Manager Don Mattingly said he would like for Ramirez to play in a minor league game before he is activated.

Ramirez said he didn’t think a rehabilitation assignment would be necessary.

“Hell no!” Ramirez said with a huge smile. “I didn’t have an off-season. Let’s see, you know? That’s my opinion. But if they want me to …”

Pregame notes: With the Dodgers playing in an American League ballpark, Carl Crawford will be their designated hitter for the series opener against the Orioles on Friday. … Ted Lilly will start for the Dodgers on Wednesday in New York. Lilly hasn’t pitched in a major league game since May 23, 2012. … Chris Capuano underwent an MRI exam Thursday that confirmed his left calf muscle was strained. He also received an injection of platelet-rich plasma.